A 15-strong model range, a new longer, wider chassis carrying all-new sheet metal, and a new turbodiesel V6 engine. Ford’s long anticipated ‘next Gen’ Ranger has arrived, much to the relief of the 5,500 enthusiastic prospective owners who have laid down deposit-paid firm orders.
On an off-road drive at the launch in Hawke’s Bay, the first impression was of the almost eerie quiet in the cab. Both the BiTurbo diesel four cylinder and the new diesel turbo V6 are measurably quieter than the outgoing model.
The Ranger works with the driver as few of its rivals do, shifting torque to maximise grip and momentum even during a brief run on the braided riverbed of the Clive River, where a shifting rock base tested its electronic control system.
Nothing else caused a moment’s pause – forest roads slippery downhills, switchback logging tracks were all navigated without fuss.
Carried over from the previous model, the BiTurbo engine makes 154kW and 500Nm of torque.
The V6 engine makes 184kW and a class-leading 600Nm and is the rock star of the current range, smooth and robust.
The handling inspires huge confidence. The Ranger is 50mm longer in its wheelbase and has a track 50 mm wider, contributing to excellent driving dynamics on and off road at high and low speeds.
Most of the length comes with the longer nose, which brings through the American family looks of the likes of the F150 and places the engines well back into the wheelbase.
The high-end Ranger models have sophisticated drivetrains that bring full time 4WD to the ute market. Electronic control of the centre diff, and an electronic rear diff lock endow the utes with bucket-loads of grip in all conditions.
Another step forward is the debut of four-wheel disc brakes from the previous model’s disc-drum combo.
Notwithstanding Ford’s ambitious broader electrification programme, Ford New Zealand managing director Simon Rutherford says the Ranger will remain Ford’s mainstay through the immediate future.
Even with two quiet months mid-year as the company basically ran out of stock of the outgoing models, the Ranger accounts for more than 50 percent of Ford’s total sales in New Zealand and reached 60 percent at one point.
At mid-year, Ford had sold 5,746 Rangers despite running out of stock as preparations were made for the debut of the new model range.
As most already know, Ranger also consistently tops the sales charts both outright and in the ‘commercial’ segment.
The new high-performance Raptor is also about to land, and for the first time will be offered with a petrol V6 turbo engine making 292kW, priced a little under $90,000.
The previous Raptor made up roughly five per cent of Ranger sales; the new one currently stands at around 15 percent. Ford says it will now treat the Raptor as a separate model.
All-up, this could spell a record year for Ranger even with two very quiet months slotted in the middle.
It also augurs well for buyers of late model Rangers – there’s strong brand and product loyalty among Ranger owners and many will only be looking to upgrade when they move out of current models, while Ford sees strong conquest sales bringing new devotees to the fold.
All up, 2022 looks set to end on a very positive note for Ford and for those who have waited to get hold of a new Ranger, Everest or Raptor.
